Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Last Sunday’s sermon text demonstrated how the early followers of Jesus “were of one heart and soul” (Acts 4:32). We saw that both their convictions and their actions were unified. They were convinced that Jesus is the resurrected King and that they were called to bear witness to his rule even in view of threats and persecution. The genuine generosity of the early Christians was the practical outworking of their desire to put one another ahead of themselves, and a natural consequence of their unity under the headship of Christ.
As we said in our latest update from last Saturday, May 15, since last March, the elders have sought to follow both CDC and state guidelines for discerning how best to continue worshipping and gathering during COVID-19. Last Thursday the CDC released new COVID-19 guidelines stating that those who are fully vaccinated “can resume activities without wearing a mask or staying 6 feet apart.” This week, Gov. Pritzker made the announcement that Illinois would follow suit.
In line with CDC and state guidelines, beginning this Sunday at Faith Community Church we will no longer request those who are fully vaccinated to wear face masks, unless they prefer to do so. As a reminder, a person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after the final dose of their vaccine. Though I will be fully vaccinated as of this Friday, I will continue to wear a mask in the weeks ahead.
We know that within our congregation, we have people who plan not to receive the vaccine, some who are fully vaccinated, and others who are in the process of receiving the vaccination. Let’s continue to pray for unity and patience during this time as we near the end of the marathon, aiming to prioritize loving and serving one another with the love of Christ in the midst of our varying opinions and thoughts on these complicated matters.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact one of the elders.
This Sunday our sermon text is Acts 5:12-42. We will see how the message of the gospel continues to accelerate in the midst of persecution and witness how God answered the Christians’ prayer for boldness. As the apostles are jailed and freed, the message of Jesus can’t help but bear fruit.
Here is the link to Sunday’s worship service.
Congregational meeting (Sunday, June 13 following worship service)
Mark your calendar for our June congregational meeting on June 13 to pray together and to review the budget for the 2022 fiscal year. The meeting will take place in the Mission Center following the worship service.
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:1-4)
In Christ,
Pastor Rhett
Tim Wierenga
Larry LaBelle